Press and Journal “Artist Draws On Politics” by Stephen Walsh

Posted August 2015

An Aberdeen artist will have her work displayed in the Scottish Parliament later this year. Nicole Porter, a master’s student at Gray’s School of Art, spent the last year exploring art’s role in politics. The former Ellon Academy pupil, who runs her own studio in King Street, has work on display in Aberdeen City Council’s Town House debating chamber. Her attest piece – In The Thick Of It – which combines canvas with glass, will be hung in the art school from Friday as part of the final-year graduate show. And now the painting has been scheduled to be hung in Holyrood, Edinburgh in December. The 29-year-old – who has the support of Gordon MP Alex Salmond said the turbulent political environment of last year’s referendum inspired her to explore the role art could play n politics and in recording historical events. As part of the project, Ms Porter has put together a range of pieces – including Coallusion, merging all five UK party leaders’ heads together. She added: “The challenge with this latest piece is that part of it is on canvas, while the other section is on glass. The viewer sees themselves in the reflection, which – when its displayed in the Town House and Parliament – almost bring their role into play.” Ms Porter has also stressed both the Town House and the Holyrood display will help underline the importance of culture to politicians. She added: “I’m glad I have achieved this, I think by placing these artworks in these places it acts as a reminder that culture should be on politicians’ agenda.”